It was awkward, with the door wide open, and her paranoia didn't allow the octaves of her voice to go over a near whisper. Claire moved to his bed and sat with her legs pulled under her, sitting on the edge nearest to him. "Just want to be safe, you know? I have enough on my plate lately."
She swallowed hard and dipped her head, focusing on her hands clasped in her lap. "I think they hate me, for giving Gabe a chance. There's been tension and this...switch. Like I'm the black sheep who's meant to be avoided. Dad still talks to me, of course, and Peter most days. But the others?" Claire shook her head, already feeling stupid tears pricking at the sides of her eyes. "I can't give up on him, not when everyone else has. We didn't cast you out because of what you're supposed to become, did we? How is it fair to do the same to him when he's more or less...you again?" She shook her head, asking, "Why did you leave, Gabriel?"